Transmission & Distribution: Page 14


  • Solar photovoltaic panels and a substation in the evening.
    Image attribution tooltip
    zhengzaishuru via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    Duke, Exelon, others urge FERC to toss ‘show cause’ order on utility self-funding interconnection upgrades

    FERC’s order to major grid operators that they show why their rules on who can pay for network upgrades is based on unconstitutional premises, Xcel Energy and other utility companies said.

    By July 17, 2024
  • An aerial view of five smoke stacks and industrial equipment with a road and highway in the background.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Joey Ingelhart via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    Supreme Court’s Chevron ruling creates power sector uncertainty: Moody’s

    “The lack of clarity on future EPA mandates increases uncertainty and makes it more difficult for power companies to determine their most appropriate and cost-effective generation mix,” Moody’s said.

    By July 12, 2024
  • Major Cluster Of Data Centers Inhabit Northern Virginia Explore the Trendline
    Image attribution tooltip
    Nathan Howard/Getty Images via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip
    Trendline

    Electricity Supply and Demand

    After nearly two decades of flat demand, U.S. electricity consumption reached an all-time high in 2024 and is expected to continue rising. This trendline brings together the best of Utility Dive’s coverage of emerging trends in supply and demand and the decisions being made today that will impact the power system for years to come. 

    By Utility Dive staff
  • A transmission line tower and wind turbines in Illinois.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Allkindza via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    FERC approves ISO New England’s long-range transmission planning process

    Regulators determined the grid operator’s new long-term approach to transmission development “supplements” the existing regional transmission planning processes approved under FERC Order 1000.

    By July 12, 2024
  • High voltage transmission lines in Nevada's desert.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Janis Janums via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    DC Circuit vacates FERC Western refund decisions, rejects Duke challenge to network upgrade orders

    In separate decisions, PacifiCorp and other power sellers won their case against FERC refund orders stemming from a 2020 Western heat wave while Duke was found liable for network upgrade costs for a proposed solar project.

    By July 10, 2024
  • Aerial shot of New England countryside on an overcast day in fall.
    Image attribution tooltip
    halbergman via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    10 Northeastern states agree to collaborate on interregional transmission development

    The memorandum of understanding sets a framework for planning “robust interregional transmission infrastructure” but specifies each state is responsible for its own costs.

    By July 10, 2024
  • Electric power lines cross a scrubby desert with a mesa in the background.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Vitaly Edush via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    FERC approves capacity solicitation plan for $2.4B RioSol transmission project

    Southwestern Power Group plans to launch a solicitation for capacity on the 1.6-GW project between New Mexico and Arizona late this year.

    By July 9, 2024
  • Silhouette of an electrical worker repairing a power line following Hurricane Beryl.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Brandon Bell/Getty Images via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    Texas restoration efforts underway after Hurricane Beryl leaves 2.7M customers without power

    CenterPoint expects to restore power to about 1 million customers by the end of Wednesday, leaving about another 1 million without electricity.

    By July 9, 2024
  • A solar crew installs panels on the roof of a house in Washington.
    Image attribution tooltip
    RyanJLane via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    Berkeley Lab releases interactive decision framework for integrated distribution grid planning

    The tool helps stakeholders navigate increasingly complex grid investment considerations as more states require utilities to file distribution plans, the lab said.

    By Brian Martucci • July 8, 2024
  • Header image for "CFOs: 9.3% Jump in Prices Will Wipe Out Real Revenue Growth"
    Image attribution tooltip
    Getty Images via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    US electricity prices rise again as AI, onshoring may mean decades of power demand growth: BofA

    The year-over-year inflation rate for electricity prices reached 5.9% in May, up from 3.8% in January, according to Bank of America Institute.

    By July 8, 2024
  • FERC headquarters
    Image attribution tooltip
    Permission granted by Esme Howland
    Image attribution tooltip

    FERC issues transmission planning rule, plus 5 other first half agency highlights

    Wholesale market reforms, private equity mergers and reliability during extremely cold weather were among the other key issues the commission tackled in the first six months of 2024.

    By July 3, 2024
  • Electrical power grid and power line towers at sunset.
    Image attribution tooltip
    YinYang via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    US transmission policy in H1 2024 focused on spurring new lines, optimizing existing infrastructure

    A recent Supreme Court ruling is prompting questions about the future of FERC’s new transmission rule, but DOE, states and others are also focused on boosting the capacity of the existing transmission system.

    By Larry Pearl • July 3, 2024
  • High voltage pylons with electric power lines transfering electricity from solar photovoltaic cells at sunrise.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Bilanol via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip
    Opinion

    Two bold ideas to change the energy industry forever

    Now may be an ideal time to make dramatic, fundamental changes to how we transport electricity, deliver it to customers and fund new projects, writes Anthony Allard, head of Hitachi Energy, North America.

    By Anthony Allard • July 3, 2024
  • Electric transmission lines against a blue and yellow sky.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Fleem via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip
    Opinion

    Eliminating the discord over FERC Order 1920 — what’s the role for states?

    Instead of fighting the rule, a coordinated effort by states of all stripes to help implement the order will ensure least cost, least regrets transmission planning.

    By Devin Hartman and Kent Chandler • July 2, 2024
  • Partial silhouette of a fireman, with a Colorado wildfire burning behind him.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Marc Piscotty/Getty Images via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    Xcel Energy proposes $1.9B wildfire mitigation plan in Colorado as risk areas nearly double

    The plan would raise a typical residential bill by more than 9.5%, but “doing more to mitigate wildfire risk requires substantial investment,” the utility told regulators.

    By July 2, 2024
  • Opinion

    A YIMBY approach to the transmission buildout

    Just as housing advocates are finding new allies at the state and local level for their YIMBY — Yes in My Backyard — movement, the energy community should seek to cultivate proactive community demand for transmission projects.

    By Robin Allen • June 28, 2024
  • FERC headquarters
    Image attribution tooltip
    Permission granted by Esme Howland
    Image attribution tooltip

    FERC advances dynamic line rating framework, plus 6 other takeaways from its open meeting

    FERC Commissioner David Rosner took part in his first open meeting as Commissioner Allison Clements said farewell.

    By June 28, 2024
  • Steam rises from one of two large cement towers, with buildings and a parking lot in the foreground.
    Image attribution tooltip
    The image by Jakec is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
    Image attribution tooltip

    AEP, Exelon challenge PJM interconnection pact for Amazon data center at Talen nuclear plant

    The precedent-setting proposal could shift up to $140 million in transmission costs to PJM customers, the utility companies said in a protest filed with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

    By June 26, 2024
  • A facade of the 102-story Empire State Building seen at sunrise in New York City.
    Image attribution tooltip
    David Henderson via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    NYPA, LS Power transmission proposal could move up to 8 GW of offshore wind to NYC

    The Five Boro Energy Connect project responds to a New York Independent System Operator solicitation for at least 4.7 GW of incremental offshore wind to be delivered into New York City by 2033.

    By June 24, 2024
  • Solar panels
    Image attribution tooltip

    Adobestock/agnormark

    Image attribution tooltip
    Sponsored by Esri

    Modern network management supports grid quadremma

    How are utilities strengthening resiliency? The answer: Creating a tougher, smarter, more secure and healthier grid.

    By Bill Meehan, Esri • June 24, 2024
  • Two engineers overlook a data center and discuss its design and operations.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Gorodenkoff via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    Data center, AI load growth could threaten grid reliability: Conference Board

    Although AI tools could eventually enable more efficient electricity generation, storage, transmission and use, near-term AI demand could slow the energy transition, the report says.

    By Brian Martucci • June 20, 2024
  • Three sets of transmission lines run into the distance where steam billows from a cylindrical, cement structure.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of Georgia Power
    Image attribution tooltip

    FERC reconsiders Southeast Energy Exchange Market approval

    The agency is seeking comments on whether SEEM, which includes Dominion, Duke and Southern Co., should be deemed a “loose power pool,” open to other participants. 

    By June 18, 2024
  • A group of wind turbines and an electrical substation.
    Image attribution tooltip
    NanoStockk via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    Utility self-funding rules for interconnection upgrades may unfairly drive up costs: FERC

    The commission raised several concerns about ISO-NE, MISO, PJM and SPP rules that allow transmission owners to pay for and profit on network upgrades for interconnection customers.

    By June 17, 2024
  • An Eversource Energy power line in the woods in New Hampshire.
    Image attribution tooltip
    The image by Eversource NH is licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0
    Image attribution tooltip

    Eversource New Hampshire seeks $182M rate increase, performance-based rates

    Customer bills would rise about 17% over two years to pay for investments in system automation, vegetation management and storm hardening, the utility said.

    By June 17, 2024
  • A field of solar panels in the California desert.
    Image attribution tooltip
    schwartstock via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    CAISO board approves ‘transformational’ grid interconnection reforms

    The reforms aim to advance projects that are most likely to succeed, in part by prioritizing projects targeting areas in California with available transmission capacity.

    By June 14, 2024
  • A large white pipe lies in a dirt trench, stretching toward mountains in the background.
    Image attribution tooltip

    Charles Mostoller/Reuters

    Image attribution tooltip

    $7.85B Mountain Valley Pipeline construction complete

    Gas will soon flow on the much-delayed project, which received a green light from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission on Tuesday.

    By Julie Strupp • June 12, 2024